Trade License

📜 How to Take a Trade License in India (All States Guide)

What is a Trade License?
A Trade License is issued by the local municipal authority (Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Nagar Panchayat) and grants permission to carry out specific commercial activities in a particular area.

Purpose:

• Ensures the business is operating legally.

• Regulates businesses to ensure they follow safety, public health, and zoning laws.

1. ✅ Who Needs a Trade License?

Any business or establishment involved in:

• Manufacturing

• Trading (goods or services)

• Commercial storage

• Restaurants and food outlets

• Salons and spas

• Factories, workshops, warehouses

• Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers

(Basically, anyone running a commercial activity from a non-residential property.)

2. 📋 Documents Required for Trade License

Common documents across most Indian states:

Document

Details

Identity proof

Aadhaar Card / PAN Card of applicant

Address proof of business

Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement, or Property Tax Receipt

Proof of ownership

Lease deed/sale deed if applicable

Business Registration Certificate

(Optional if available)

Site plan of the premises

Layout sketch or map (for larger establishments)

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

From landlord, if rented

Professional Tax Registration (for some states)

Other specific licenses (if needed)

Fire Safety NOC, Health NOC (for hotels, clinics, etc.)

3. 🌐 Online vs Offline Application

Most major states and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, etc., allow online application.

Typical process:

1. Visit your city's Municipal Corporation website.

2. Register/login to the portal.

3. Fill out the Trade License Application Form.

4. Upload the required documents.

5. Pay the applicable fees online.

6. Application processing and inspection (if needed).

7. License issued (typically within 7–30 days).

👉 If online not available: Visit the Municipal Office physically with all documents.

4. 🏛️ State-specific Important Portals

State/UT

Portal

Delhi

MCD Trade License Portal

Maharashtra (Mumbai)

MCGM Portal

Karnataka (Bengaluru)

BBMP Portal

Tamil Nadu (Chennai)

Chennai Corporation e-Services

Telangana (Hyderabad)

GHMC Portal

West Bengal (Kolkata)

KMC Portal

Gujarat (Ahmedabad)

AMC Portal

Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)

Nagar Nigam Portal

Rajasthan (Jaipur)

JMC Portal

Kerala

Sanchaya Portal

5. 💵 Fees for Trade License

• Varies widely by:

  • Type of business

  • Area size (sq. ft.)

  • Nature of activity (hazardous vs non-hazardous)

• Typical range: ₹500 to ₹25,000+ annually

Some cities charge based on risk categories — manufacturing units usually pay more than a small office.

6. 🔁 Renewal of Trade License

• Trade Licenses are typically valid for 1 year.

• Must be renewed annually before expiry.

• Renewal requires:

  • Copy of existing license

  • Updated property tax receipts

  • Payment of renewal fees

Late renewals may attract penalty fees (2%–5% per month).

7. ⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Closure/sealing of the business premises

• Heavy penalties

• Legal action under Municipal Laws

📌 Quick Summary

Step

Action

1

Prepare all documents

2

Apply online/offline to Municipal Corporation

3

Pay fees

4

Await inspection/approval

5

Receive Trade License Certificate

6

Display license at business premises

🎯 Pro Tip:

Many states offer combo licenses — like Trade + Shops & Establishment License in one application to simplify compliance.

Fire License

🔥 How to Take a Fire License (Fire NOC) in India (All States Guide)

What is a Fire License?
A Fire License (also called Fire NOC — No Objection Certificate) is issued by the State Fire Department. It certifies that your building/business establishment complies with fire safety regulations.

Purpose:

• To ensure that the building has proper fire prevention and firefighting measures.

• To protect public life and property.

1. ✅ Who Needs a Fire License?

Anyone operating in a place involving public gathering or hazardous activities, including:

• Commercial buildings (offices, malls, shops)

• Industrial factories and warehouses

• Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics

• Hotels, restaurants, banquet halls

• Educational institutions (schools, colleges)

• Residential complexes (high-rises)

• Hazardous storage (chemicals, petrol pumps)

Key Point:
Even small businesses like restaurants or coaching centers often require Fire NOC, depending on local rules (mostly if area > 500 sq ft or > 15 people occupancy).

2. 📋 Documents Required for Fire License

Document

Details

Building Plan/Layout

Approved by Municipal Authority

Site Plan

Showing fire safety installations

Building Completion Certificate

(for existing buildings)

Ownership Proof

Sale Deed, Lease Deed, etc.

Occupancy Certificate (OC)

(for new buildings)

Fire Safety Equipment List

Fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, exits

Fire Safety Compliance Declaration

Signed by owner

Structural Stability Certificate

(from licensed engineer)

Electrical Safety Certificate

(sometimes required)

3. 🌐 Application Process (Common to All States)

Step

Action

1

Visit the State Fire Department website or office

2

Register/Login to the Fire NOC portal (if online)

3

Fill Fire NOC Application Form

4

Upload documents

5

Pay required application fees

6

Inspection by Fire Department

7

Compliance Report (if corrections needed)

8

Issuance of Fire NOC

👉 If your state doesn’t have an online portal, you must submit the application physically at the local Fire Station Headquarters.

4. 🏛️ Important State Portals for Fire License (Examples)

State/UT

Portal

Delhi

DFS Delhi

Maharashtra

MAITRI Portal (MahaFire)

Karnataka

Karnataka Fire Portal

Tamil Nadu

TN eSevai Portal

Telangana

Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services

West Bengal

West Bengal Fire Services

Gujarat

Gujarat Fire Safety Compliance System

Rajasthan

Rajasthan Fire Portal

5. 💵 Fees for Fire License

• Depends on:

  • Area of the building (sq ft or sq m)

  • Type of occupancy (residential/commercial/industrial)

• Range: ₹2,000 to ₹50,000+ (or more for very large facilities)

Some states also levy inspection and renewal fees separately.

6. 🔁 Renewal of Fire License

 Typically valid for 1–3 years.

 Must be renewed before expiry.

 Requires:

• Fire equipment maintenance certificates

• Updated building occupancy

• Payment of renewal fees

7. ⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

 Sealing of building

 Cancellation of licenses (e.g., trade license, health license)

 Heavy fines

 Criminal liability in case of accidents

📌 Quick Summary

Step

Action

1

Prepare building plan and compliance documents

2

Apply online/offline to Fire Department

3

Pay application fees

4

Site inspection

5

Install/upgrade fire safety measures if needed

6

Obtain Fire License (Fire NOC)

🎯 Pro Tip:

If you’re building a new structure, apply for Provisional Fire NOC first during construction, and Final Fire NOC after completion.